Otherkin enjoyed a manic 2016 summer of festivals in the UK, Ireland and across Europe, in support of their second EP release, entitled ‘The New Vice’.

Luke, Conor and David first had the idea for the band in 2013, but Otherkin did not coalesce until they found drummer Rob later that year, drawn together by a shared love of bands like The Clash, QOTSA, Ramones and Blur.

Early gigs in college dorms and house parties gave way to regular shows on Dublin’s vibrant live venue circuit, which in turn blossomed into a step up to the Irish festival carousel – Longitude, Electric Picnic, Hard Working Class Heroes and Other Voices – in 2014.

After a couple of hand-made, self-released tracks, Otherkin hit their stride with the rambunctious grunge-pop single “Ay Ay”, which came to the attention of leading Irish indie label Rubyworks in early 2015.

The 201 EP – featuring “Ay Ay” and “Feel It” – was a quartet of quivering, shivering thumpers released to coincide with their UK festival debut at Leeds / Reading and their first full-length UK tour. Radio exposure came courtesy of support from Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 and John Kennedy on Radio X, while MTV Rocks added videos for both songs into their new music playlists.

‘The New Vice’ EP, which was recorded in Dublin, and mixed in the UK by Jolyon Thomas (Slaves) features “I Was Born” and “Yeah I Know”; the former quickly raced to 100,000 listens on Soundcloud, and enjoyed daytime support from Clara Amfo at BBC Radio 1.

The band are currently in the studio recording their debut album, which will be released on Rubyworks in 2017.

In Praise of Otherkin…

Irish rockers Otherkin were another highlight. The band had only arrived off the ferry from Dublin the same morning, but provided a ferocious show with shirtless singer Luke Reilly constantly singing their infectious Catfish And The Bottlemen-style anthems from among the crowd.- NME live review

Blistering Dublin garage punks Otherkin play the tent as if it is Madison Square Garden – The Guardian UK live review